Plaza Independencia
Plaza Independencia
4.5
About
This prominent plaza divides the old from the new Uruguay, and is surrounded by an interesting array of architectural styles. It also contains a statue of General Artigas, considered the father of Uruguay.
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The area
Neighbourhood: Ciudad Vieja
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4.5
8,220 reviews
Excellent
3,547
Very good
3,508
Average
1,069
Poor
76
Terrible
20
Duquesadiner
Glasgow, UK1,310 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
We took a city tour round Montevideo and this was one of the places I was looking forward to seeing. Sadly it disappointed overall. Is there a city in South America that has more statues of men on horses or did we see them all in one day. Anyway it was busy with traffic, there seemed be an air of depression hanging around and other than the impressive Palacio Salvo I wouldn’t rate this Plaza as a top spot to see.
Written 6 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AndreToronto
Toronto, Canada626 contributions
Feb 2020
The Palacio Salvo is impressive and tours can be taken which give some nice views of the whole plaza from above. Well kept and a pretty plaza but fairly quiet for a big city. Worth a visit.
Written 25 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WorldTravelers34
Chicago, IL2,266 contributions
Jan 2020
The Plaza Independencia is the most important square in Montevideo, connecting the Ciudad Vieja and the city’s downtown. Several of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Palacio Salvo and the Teatro Solís. This is a must place to visit for anyone touring Montevideo.
Other notable structures surrounding the plaza include the stone gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, a lonely remnant of the colonial citadel demolished in 1833; the 19th-century Palacio Estévez; and the 26-story Palacio Salvo, the continent’s tallest building when it opened in 1927, and still a classic Montevideo landmark.
Other notable structures surrounding the plaza include the stone gateway Puerta de la Ciudadela, a lonely remnant of the colonial citadel demolished in 1833; the 19th-century Palacio Estévez; and the 26-story Palacio Salvo, the continent’s tallest building when it opened in 1927, and still a classic Montevideo landmark.
Written 4 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KarenM1_10
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan1,043 contributions
Feb 2023
There are several sites that you can see from this plaza, such as a piece of the Old Town Gate and the statue of Jose Gervasio de Artigas, who is referred to as the father of Uruguay. An underground mausoleum was built under the statue. When we arrived, it was roped off and tours were not available. There is a very large building that is located around the perimeter of the Plaza with a dome top. I do not recall the name but on the first level that is open are a variety of sculptures there that should not be missed. We just happen to stumble across them when we were looking for a store to buy drinks/snacks.
Written 26 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GordonW318
Gloucester, UK1,207 contributions
Feb 2020
An imposing monument dedicated to Uruguay's national hero Jose Artigas dominates Independence Plaza. His remains are entombed inside this huge magnificent monument. At one end of the Plaza is a stone gateway that is one of the only remnants of the colonial citadel demolished in the early nineteenth century.
This area is a must visit in Montevideo.
This area is a must visit in Montevideo.
Written 31 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dean-Traveller
Mugla, Türkiye1,182 contributions
Jan 2023
Plaza Independencia came into being after the demolition of the fortifications of the colonial city, affirming independence. One city gate remains as a memorial and makes an atmospheric way to walk into the square. The square marks the transition from old to new town in history and in geography.
In 1923 a monument to General Jose Gervasio Artigas was inaugurated, which consists of a 17-meter bronze equestrian statue with a granite base. Then in 1974 an underground mausoleum was created under the square for the remains of Artigas.
The square is surrounded by cafes and government buildings. It is large and grand with park areas that were added in the early 20th Century. A space to sit and look around at the architecture.
The Netflix series, Conquest, was filmed here in 2019.
In 1923 a monument to General Jose Gervasio Artigas was inaugurated, which consists of a 17-meter bronze equestrian statue with a granite base. Then in 1974 an underground mausoleum was created under the square for the remains of Artigas.
The square is surrounded by cafes and government buildings. It is large and grand with park areas that were added in the early 20th Century. A space to sit and look around at the architecture.
The Netflix series, Conquest, was filmed here in 2019.
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark5,929 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
Montevideo's Independence Square is - sorry, dear friends - as dreary a sight as most of the city's other "tourist attractions": An extremely traditional statue that could stand in any country, surrounded by tall buildings of various degrees of ugliness. It almost looks like something from the former Soviet era.
If you're desperate to experience something interesting in Montevideo, visit the Mirador Panoramico on the 22nd floor with a breathtaking 365-degree view of the entire city. And of course, the wonderful Rambla, which runs for kilometers along the city's beautiful beaches and coastline. Both are, incidentally, completely free.
If you're desperate to experience something interesting in Montevideo, visit the Mirador Panoramico on the 22nd floor with a breathtaking 365-degree view of the entire city. And of course, the wonderful Rambla, which runs for kilometers along the city's beautiful beaches and coastline. Both are, incidentally, completely free.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SnowyShasta
Portland, OR2,313 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We were staying in Montevideo and enjoyed a walk through the old town, including this main square of Plaza Indepencia. It has many other sights nearby, so it's likely that you'll see it if you're in the old town area.
We especially enjoyed seeing the old city wall / Puerta de la Ciudadela and also going down to the mausoleum underneath the status that dominates the center of the square. The Palacio Salvo building towers above it; we didn't enter the building but enjoyed seeing the exterior, as well as that of the nearby Theatre Solis. Overall a very nice central square and worth walking through as you explore the city.
We especially enjoyed seeing the old city wall / Puerta de la Ciudadela and also going down to the mausoleum underneath the status that dominates the center of the square. The Palacio Salvo building towers above it; we didn't enter the building but enjoyed seeing the exterior, as well as that of the nearby Theatre Solis. Overall a very nice central square and worth walking through as you explore the city.
Written 2 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LMCM111
Perth, Australia686 contributions
Jan 2020
Lovely square which separates old from new parts of city. Statue of Artigas in middle and you can go down stairs to his tomb. Felt safer here than in many south American central plazas and enjoyed walking around area
Written 15 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dakles
Southampton, UK1,304 contributions
Feb 2020
The square is nothing special and, if anything, a bit lacking. It has one statement building and a nice central statue but otherwise is just surrounded by busy roads. Lacking in any form of community integration.
Written 27 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Local rodeado de prédios belíssimos, com arquitetura da época e bem conservados, permitindo ao turista ter uma idéia do início da capital Uruguaia.
Written 16 November 2018
Por favor podrian corregir, el error ortografico de "plasa" por "plaza"
Gracias..
Written 29 May 2016
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